Sask. drivers not getting the message about texting behind the wheel

REGINA – Texting and driving appears to be more prevalent in Saskatchewan than in the rest of the country.

According to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), 22 per cent of Canadian drivers admitted to texting behind the wheel. However, in Saskatchewan, that number jumps significantly.

Thirty-five per cent of drivers in the province have used their phone to email or text while driving in the last month. Five per cent of those even admit to doing it regularly.

That seems about right, according to Regina resident Johnny Carroll, “I don’t find that surprising, I see people out texting and driving quite often.”

But that does not make it right, Carroll said: “I find it pretty stupid, because they’re putting their life and other people’s lives at risk.”

Christine Niemczyk with CAA Saskatchewan echoes that statement.

“Texting while driving isn’t safe. For the driver, for the passengers, for anybody on our roadways,” said Niemczyk.

READ MORE: Tougher penalties needed for drivers using cells: CAA

Mindsets have already changed, as 90 per cent of the poll’s 1,252 respondents said they believe texting and driving to be socially unacceptable. But as Niemczyk pointed out, “We’re still doing it and perhaps we need to adjust our behaviour.”

The CAA representative said there’s always an excuse to peak at our phones, “Perhaps we think, oh it’s just this one time. Or I have something really important to connect with my family. Or I’m going to be late for work, I better let them know.”

Niemcyzk recommends taking a hard line on texting and driving before catching a ride with someone.

“Maybe we need to take on the responsibility of, when we’re driving with our family, when we’re driving with our friends, saying – if you plan to text while you drive, I can’t drive with you,” said Niemcyzk.

Although he’s not quite old enough to drive, Musantu Mwango agreed. He said when he gets his license, he knows what he’ll do if his phone goes off: “Let it ring. Because if you answer it, your eyes won’t be on the road and you could get into a car accident.”

According to SGI, distracted driving continues to be one of the top causes of crashes in Saskatchewan, accounting for 5,700 last year alone.